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NWSL North Carolina Courage

Upstart Courage Fall Short in Quarterfinal Playoff Loss

by Fran Stuchbury
October 23, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage


North Carolina Courage take on NJ/NY Gotham
North Carolina Courage take on NJ/NY Gotham
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Fran Stuchbury)

The North Carolina Courage saw their season came to an end with a 2-0 National Women's Soccer League quarterfinal playoff loss to NJ/NY Gotham FC in front of 4,612 fans at WakeMed Soccer Park Sunday evening.

In only the third postseason appearance in franchise history, Gotham FC won their first ever playoff game. They will play at Portland Thorns FC in the semifinals of the 2023 NWSL Playoffs at Providence Park on Sunday, November 5th, while the Courage is left to focus on the 2024 season.

"I thought we played well; we had some moments the game got a little chaotic in the second half," said North Carolina Head Coach Sean Nahas. "We just couldn't really find the final ball. We became a little bit too transitional. In the first half everything we thought was there, was there. We had a hard time exploiting it. I think overall disappointed we didn't find a way, but not disappointed with them. I just want to be able to spend more time and work with this group of players a little bit longer, but unfortunately that's not going happen."

The Courage were missing their leading scorer, forward Kerolin Nicoli who tore her right ACL during the team's win over the Washington Spirit last week.

"Kerolin is one player with the team," Nahas added. "At the end of the day we will win and lose as a team. We created a few chances, (but) we didn't find a way to score. That's the bottom line."

Gotham FC opened scoring in the 45th minute with midfielder Delanie Sheehan's first ever NWSL goal. Sheehan played at UCLA and was drafted 33rd overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft by Gotham FC.

Midfielder Yazeem Ryan put the game away during extra time in the second half, providing Gotham FC a 2-0 win. Ryan, from TCU, was the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft by the Portland Thorns. She was traded to Gotham FC as part of three-team deal on January 5, 2023.

North Carolina completed a surprising season, ending the year third in the NWSL standings with a 9-6-7 record with 33 points. The Courage won their second NWSL Challenge Cup when they defeated Racing Louisville FC 2-0 on September 9th.

"What puts a smile on my face is how far we have come this year with such a young group, with the style we played," Nahas added. "I think we attracted fans from all over the place, not just in the country, but I got messages from people outside the country who watched us play. I hated coaching last year a little bit, but this group made me love coaching. I am a fortunate coach to be working with this group."

"This team means everything to me," said North Carolina captain Denise O'Sullivan, "This is my first year as team captain. It's been an absolute honor, but I am obviously gutted to be out of the race for the championship. I think this team will be back better and stronger next season.

"We didn't listen to the outside noise; that didn't bother us at all. From being predicated to finish 12th, last in the league - hat was the prediction at the start of the year - we finished third and pushed every team to the limit."

The Courage will look to build on its momentum in the 2024 season which will include two more teams in the league in the Utah Royals and Bay Area FC.

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Images from this story

North Carolina Courage take on NJ/NY Gotham
North Carolina Courage take on NJ/NY Gotham
(Fran Stuchbury)		   



National Women's Soccer League Stories from October 23, 2023


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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